What is a common consequence of urinary retention?

Bladder distension is a common consequence of urinary retention because when urine accumulates in the bladder beyond its normal capacity, the bladder's walls stretch significantly. This overfilling can lead to discomfort and may result in the bladder becoming distended. If urinary retention continues, it can cause further complications such as bladder damage, increased risk of urinary tract infections, and may require medical intervention.

The other options—such as increased urine output, overhydration, and frequent urination—do not accurately represent the physiological consequences of urinary retention. Increased urine output typically occurs when the bladder is functioning correctly and can empty normally, while overhydration is a condition that results from excessive fluid intake rather than retention. Frequent urination often indicates a need to urinate more often but does not align with the concept of retention, where urine is trapped in the bladder instead of being expelled regularly.